NRF-FALF Partnership for Gender Equality in Academic Leadership

Even after three decades of democracy, South Africa continues to battle with the underrepresentation of women in academic leadership positions which perpetuates existing disparities and impedes progress towards gender equality within academia.

To address this gap and foster a more inclusive and diverse research ecosystem, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has partnered with the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) to address the slow pace of racial and gender transformation, particularly for Black women, in the leadership of the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The NRF and FALF, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, established a Chair in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. In addition, the NRF is engaging with FALF and industry stakeholders to expand this programme to other institutions.

FALF was founded in 2020 by University of Witwatersrand Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, with the objective to develop a pipeline of future female academic leaders from South African, African, and mixed-ancestry backgrounds.

On the eve of this year’s Women’s Day, which coincided with its fifth anniversary celebrations, FALF showcased its capacity building achieved over the years. The organisation also used the event to thank its donors and partners for their support as well as to introduce academia and research as a career option for FALF-affiliated postgraduate students.

NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, and Dr Sepo Hachigonta, Head of Strategic Partnerships, were honoured with recognition awards for their steadfast support of this transformative programme. Said Dr Nelwamondo, “I am grateful for the honour FALF has presented to me. Investment in women academic leaders is an investment in the future of higher education and research.”